The investigation by Panorama highlighted the pressure that NHS staff are under to meet Government targets.

Commenting on the results of the programme, Dr Fox said he would end centrally imposed targets in the NHS.

He said: "It is clear that the dedicated and able professionals who keep the NHS going are increasingly at the mercy of the obsessive target culture imposed from Whitehall.

Shocking picture

"In order to bring an end to unacceptable working practices, and the accompanying sense of intimidation staff face, the Conservative Party will scrap centrally imposed targets."

After the programme, the MP released a statement saying: "No one is fooled any longer by the Government's doctored figures in the NHS.

"Clinicians should be free to decide who to treat, and when. Labour ministers frequently force doctors to ignore clinical priorities, and work instead according to their political priorities. This is unethical and unacceptable.

"The Conservative Party's Freedom from Fear website has received numerous messages from health professionals painting a shocking picture of the climate of fear in which staff are forced to work."